Pocket type atomizer



5 Jan. 2, 1951 F. POREBER POCKET TYPE ATOMIZER Filed March 5, 1949 I N V EN TOR. frau/f iareer BY Patented Jan. 2, 1951 UNlTED STATES PATENT OFFICE POCKET TYPE ATOMIZER Frank Poreber, Jamaica, N. Y., assignor to The George W. Luft Company, Inc., Long Island City, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application March 5, 1949, Serial No. 79,868

4 Claims.

This invention relates to liquid dispensers and particularly to atomizers of the type which are to be carried in a purse or pocket.

The apparatusof this invention is particularly adaptable to the dispensing of perfumes, toilet water and similar sundries, but it will be appreciated that the apparatus may be employed with equal eificacy for the dispensing of liquid medications and other liquids in finely divided liquid particles.

An important object of this invention is to provide a compact atomizer which dispenses liquid eificiently in minute particles and may be carried in a purse or pocket and which is substantially free of leakage.

Another object of the invention is to provide an atomizer which may be constructed of a relatively small number of parts and few assembly operations so as to reduce the cost of manufacture. The greater number of parts or the construction of the parts of presently available atomizing dispensers create susceptibility to mechanical failure, principally because of wearing or misplacement of parts during use.

Another important object of this invention is the provision of an article of simple and inexpensive construction, which is also particularly sturdy. In this regard the simplicity of construction and the small number of parts of the atomizer of this invention contribute markedly to its durability.

The atomizer of this invention has an air compression chamber and a liquid containing chamber which are partly defined and separated by a central member, preferably unitary, which also defines an atomizing space or chamber. The air compression chamber is defined by said central member and a cylindrical cup-like member slidably mounted thereon. The liquid containing chamber is principally defined by a cylindrical member which is fixed to and sealed by said central member. A suitable discharge port for the direction of compressed air from the compression chamber to the atomizing operation is defined by and contained within said central member. The liquid discharge to the atomizing operation or chamber is likewise through a wall of said central member, and it is a particular feature of this invention that the liquid discharge element is so disposed with relation to the liquid containing chamber that substantial leakage of liquid from said chamber may be prevented to an extent as to preclude the necessity of the use of a closure for said discharge element.

For a more complete description of apparatus of preferred construction embodying the invention, reference is made to the drawings, in which:

Figs. 1 and 2 are perspective views of an atomizing device embodying the invention, the views illustrating, respectively, the closed and the open or operative positions;

Fig. 3 is an elevational view of the same device;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 4-4 in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view similar to that of Fig. 4 with the cap in the raised or outward position; and

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 6-6 in Fig. 3.

Referring to Figs. 4 and 5, a central cylindrical member In is formed to provide two opposed open ended compartments separated by a wall or partition II. The upper compartment [2 forms the fioor and walls of an air compression chamber generally designated as M and the lower compartment l3 forms the roof and upper walls of a liquid containing chamber generally designated as l5. Formed in the outer surface 23 of the member [0 is a recess 33, sized to serve as a mixing or atomizing area, recess or compartment. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the atomizing recess 33 is positioned substantially at the division of the upper and lower compartments l2 and 13 of the central member l0. While this location is not critical from the operative standpoint of atomizing, it is highly desirable for other purposes such as easy establishment of the desired angle of the discharge member 34, simple inexpensive construction and facility of assembly.

The lower compartment [3 is closed by a cuplike member l6, provided with screw threads I 1 which correspond to threads l8 formed on the central member ID on a surface defining a portion of the lower compartment l3. The cup I 6 may be detachably but fixedly secured to the lower compartment l3 by turning into place, gasket l9 being positioned on the shoulder 20 of the cup 16 to provide a liquid-tight joint. Cup I6 and compartment l3 thus define a liquid containing chamber designated generally as 15.

An upper or air compression chamber, generally designated as M, is defined by compartment I 2 and cap 2|. This cap has a top portion 24 to which depends a skirt portion 22 sized to surround and slidably engage the outer cylindrical surface 23. Thus the cap 2| is adapted for reciprocal movement along the outer surface 23 of the central member II]. A projection or pin 25 protrudes from the cylindrical surface 23 of the member ID and is received in the vertical slot 28 cut in the skirt 22 of the cap 2|, as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3. The slot 26 acts as a guideway for the cap 2| during its inward and outward movements and defines the limits of those movements. Horizontal slot 21 in the skirt 22 communicates with the vertical slot 26 at an extremity of the latter and provides: a bayonet type locking means to hold the cap 2| in the inward position shown in Fig. 1. An elongated port 28 cut in the skirt 22 serves to expose the atomizing compartment, or recess 33 whenv the cap 2| is in operative position for movement along the vertical guideway 26 (see Fig. 2). A spring 29 seated within the portion l2 of the central member ID on the shoulder 3|! is thus contained within the air chamber defined by the; central member and the cap 2| to resist movement of cap 2| downwardly over the member [0.

An air discharge orifice or port 3| is formed in a wall of therecess 33' and provides connection between that recess and the air compression chamber It. This orifice or port is so located as to deliver from the air compression chamber M' a stream of air in a selected path, according to well known principles, to efiect efficient atomization. In the form here shown that path is substantially horizontal to the vertical axis ofthe assembly. Another port or passage 35 is provided in the wall of recess 33- todefine a seat for a dischargemember ortube 34 of such length that one extremity 38-- extends into the liquid held in liquid chamber l5, and the otherextremity' 3T is positioned" in the atomizing recess 33 in atomizing relation to the air port or passage 3|, i. e. so that the extremity 31 is in the path of air issuing from said air passage. It will be noted that the liquid educ tion tube34 is arranged at an angle tothe vertical axis of'the assembly; the significance of this angular relationship will be later discussed. A small hole 38v through the well of the recess 33 serves as an air vent-for the liquid chamber t and for other purposes hereinafter described.

In operation. the liquid chamber i5 isfilled with. perfume or other dispensable liquid. The cap. 2|, which normally is retained in the inwardposition shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 4; by the interaction of the projection 25. and thehorizontal' groove 2's, is rotated to register the projection 25 in. the vertical slot 28'. Under pressure of the spring: 29; the. cap moves to the outward position, as illustrated in Figs; 2 and 5. The atom-izing recess 33: which is enclosed by. the skirt 22; when the cap is locked inthe closed position, is exposed when. the cap 2'! is rotated to this operative position, the. opening 28 in the skirt. 22 thereby being brought into register with the: recess. 33;. The. port 28 is of substantially the same width as the. recess 33, but is elongated so: that the recess is exposed throughout the stroke defined by the inward and outward movements of the cap 21.. To operate. the atomizer may be held in the upright. position shown in the drawings; with the thumb. and forefinger pressing; against the, bottom. 39 and top 2 3, respectively. Upon the application of pressure the cap 2i moves downwardly along the outer wallof; the central member t0, against the pressure of the spring: 29., forcing air contained in the; compression chamber H! through the pas sage in a rapidly moving substantially horizontal stream. or plume. The air stream moves across; the liquid discharge orifice 31 and draws liquid: from the tube 34, the liquid becoming admixed in minute particles with the stream or plume of air to form a fine vapor.

It will be noted that the presently contemplated embodiment of the invention is constructed of a minimum number of elements or parts and these are of simple and durable construction. In total the preferred construction shown has but seven parts, the central member Hi, the liquid eduction tube 34, the pin 25, the spring 29, the cap 2!, the cup. l6 and the gasket [9. These parts may be conveniently reproduced in metal, plastic or other suitable material. Assembly operations are simple and may be accomplished expeditiously. The tube 34 having been assembled with central member It, the gasket I9 is assembled in the cup It and the cup is screwedinto the central members. Spring 25 is then placed on shoulder 38, the cap 2| is positioned around the spring and the central member, and pressure is applied to allow insertion of" pin. 25.. It will be at once apparent that in such a simple sturdy construction there is little which can be harmed by careless or rough usage. Also, the device may be quickly taken apart for cleaning or the like by persons with:- outmechanicali skill or knowledge- Thus the device of this invention may be readily produced at low cost; and yet will, give satisfactory service in thehands of. the user.

A diinculty which is encountered in the use of at'omizers of the type herein described is that the user carries the article in purse or pocketand is not concerned-with; maintaining the arti clein. a position; which. will prevent leakage. Consequently it has heretofore been: considered necessary to provide the eduction tube or other liquid discharge means with a closure tov prevent leakage or seepage of the liquid. therefrom. Suchv closures. complicate manufacture, require registry of parts within close tolerances and are, otherwise, undesirable.

In. the preferred construction of the device of this invention, closure elements are eliminatedby arranging the liquid discharge means and the air vent spacially with regard to the position of the liquid containing compartment and. the liquid intake means. The stated relationship. maybe expressed. in various ways. A preferred example i shown in the drawings where the tube 34 is so positioned that its intake extremity 3%; lies on a difierent side of the liquid containing chamber than does the delivery extremity 31-, and the air vent 38. Thus, it will be noted that if the liquid is maintained below a certain level in the liquid containing chamber I5, the result will be that there is no position into which the device may be turned. which will induce liquid to move through thev tube 34-. An additional result. will be that thereis. no position in which the chamber I-5- is not vented to compensate for changes in air pressure. To obtain the desired'results the. proper maximum liquid level for best operation can, of course, be" indicated to the user by suitable marking on the inner surface of the cup I6.

Thus, ifthe device be placed on its side or u-pended or positioned at any angle to the vertical, either the liquid receiving end 35 or the discharge. end 31, or both, of the, tube 34 will be above the. level. of. the liquid in; the liquid containing compartment and the, only leakage or seepag to. be expected will be of any. liquid which may have.

been in the tube 34. Also, either the air ventv 38;

or the liquid receiving end 36, or both, will be above the liquid level to assur adequate ventilating, to compensate for changes in air pressure due to changes in temperature or barometric changes. Leakage or seepage through the air vent 38 is of course maintained at a minimum by limiting the size of this vent, the size shown in the drawing being exaggerated for purposes of illustration. Leakage and evaporation are also kept to a minimum by the close fitting skirt portion 22 which covers the atomizing recess 33 when the cap 2| is in the closed inward position shown in Fig. 1. The enclosing of the recess 33 effects an entrapment of the air in the recess so that the normal evaporation process resulting from air flowing over the discharge orifice 36 and the vent 38 is reduced to a minimum. In regard to the covering of the atomizing recess 33 with the skirt 22 when the atomizer is not in operation, it will be noted that the cap serves the additional purpose of a dust cover to protect the small orifices in the recess 33 from dust particles.

The tube 34 need not be straight as shown in the drawings although this is of course the most convenient shape with regard to the atomizing action and ease of assembly. However, whether the eduction tube be straight, curved or angled, it is the relative position of the intak and discharge ends thereof which are of importance to the preferred aspect of the invention. This relative position can be defined as one in which the intake orifice and the discharge orifice of the eduction tube lie on opposite sides of any plane which includes the vertical axis of the liquid containing chamber and does not include both the said intake and discharge orifices. The preferred relative position of the air vent is the one in which the vent is adjacent the liquid discharge orifice so that its relative position with regard to the intake orifice is similar to that of the dis charge orifice.

In an atomizing device of the general type herein discussed there is some tendency for droplets of atomized liquid to collect in or about the atomizing area. In the preferred practice of this invention, this accumulation of moisture is minimized by placing the air vent for the liquid chamher and the air discharge port for the air compression chamber on opposite sides of the discharge orifice of the eduction tube 34 and by sloping the eduction tube in the direction of the path or stream of air moving out from the air discharge orifice 3| and spacing the liquid discharge orifice 31 apart from the air discharge orifice 3|. Such a construction is shown in the drawings, the discharge passage 3| opening in the recess on one side of the discharge tube 34 while the air vent 38 opens into the recess on the opposite side of said tube. The reason why such construction minimizes the moisture accumulation in the atomizing area is not fully understood. However, the positioning of the eduction tube 34 at an angle in the direct on of the path of air moving out of the air discharge passage 3| is believed to assist in drawing the liquid from the tube and to impede any liquid being drawn from the tube by a back draft into the passage 3|. While the air vent may be located at other points either in or out of said atomizing area, an advantage is obtained when the air vent is located as described.

No attempt has been made to specify or describe the exterior ornamentation of the atomizer which may be decorated in any suitable manner. However, the compactness and simplicity of exterior contour add materially to the beauty as well as practicality of the device.

It will be appreciated that numerous variations in the form of the illustrated device are possible, the preferred construction only being illustrative.

What is claimed is as follows:

1. In an atomizer, a central portion defining two oppositely disposed open-ended compartments and an atomizing recess, two cup-like closure members, one closure member slidahly engaging the outer surface of the central portion and closing one of said open compartments to form an air compression chamber, the other closure member detachably secured to the inner surface of the central portion, closing the other of said open-ended compartments to form a liquid receiving chamber, an air discharge port disposed in the atomizing recess, for the direction of compressed air from the air compression chamber, an air vent disposed in the atomizing recess connected to the liquid chamber, said vent being spaced apart from the air discharge port, a liquid discharge orifice disposed in the atomizing recess between the air ventand the air discharge port and in atomizing relation to the air discharge port, an intake orifice. connected to the liquid discharge orifice and disposed in the liquid receiving chamber, the intake orifice and the liquid discharge orifice being disposed in relation to the liquid receiving chamber so that they lie on opposite sides of any plane which passes through the vertical axis of the liquid receiving chamber which does not include both the said intake and discharge orifices.

2. A pocket type atomizer comprising a hollow cylindrical central member having a dividing partition disposed therein to define the floor of an air compression chamber and the roof of a liquid containing chamber, a cap with a skirt portion, said cap being mounted on one end of the cylindrical member and adapted to define the air compression chamber, said skirt portion in relatively tight but sliding engagement with the outer cylindrical surface adjacent said end and adapted to slide inwardly and outwardly of said end and rotate relative to said cylindrical member, spring means positioned in the compression chamber adapted to urge the cap outwardly of said end of the central member, means to guide the cap during its inward and outward movement and associated means to lock the cap in the inward position when the cap is rotated out of operative position, a cup releasably fixed at the other end of the central member and adapted to define the liquid container, an atomizing recess provided in the cylindrical surfaceof said central member, said recess being covered by the skirt of the cap when the cap is rotated to the locked position, an air discharge port adapted to deliver a stream of air from the compression chamber into the atomizing recess, a liquid discharge tube leading from the liquid chamber into the atomizing recess, said tube being sloped in the direction of the stream of air issuing from the air discharge port, a liquid discharge orifice disposed in the path of the stream and a liquid intake orifice positioned in the liquid containing chamber, an air vent connecting the liquid cham her and the atomizing recess positioned adjacent the liquid discharge tube, and an opening in the skirt of the cap adapted to expose the atomizing recess through the'inward and outward movements when the cap is rotated to the operative position.

3. In an atomizer, a unitary central cylindrical portion shaped to define two oppositely disposed cup-like open-ended compartments, the outer cylindrical wall of said central portion being shaped; to define an, atomizing recess opening; outwardly thereof; means to close one of said;

compartments to form a liquid receiving chamber, and means slid'ably mounted on the outer cylindrical wall of said central portion to close the other ofsaidcompartments to form an air compression chamber, a springpositioned in said air compression chamber to resist the said slidably mounted means in its air compression movement, means fo limiting the movement outwardfrom the central cylindrical portion by the slidably mounted means and for locking the slidably mounted means in, an inward position relative to said central portion, an airdischarge orifice positioned; in said atomizing recess adapted to deliver'a stream of: air from the compression chamber; a liquid eduction tube having a discharge orifice in the; a-tomizing recess and in the path described by the stream of air from the air discharge orifice and an intake orifice located in the; liquid containing chamber at a point to be contained within liquid disposed in said chamber when, the chamber is held inthe vertical position, said-tube being so shaped and disposed that its discharge orifice and intake orifice lie on opposite sidesof any plane which includes the verticali axisof: the liquid containing chamber ex cept, aplane which also includes both of said orifices, and an air vent adapted to connect the liquid containing chamber and the atomizing recess, said air vent being disposed adjacent the liquid discharge tube.

iA pocket-type atomizer comprising, in combination, a hollow cylindrical member, a partition disposed. therein dividing the cylindrical member into an-upper compartment and a lower compartment, a cap with a skirt portion mounted on the upper end of the cylindrical member, the skirtportion engaging the outer surface of said member in sliding contact, the cap and the uppercompartment defining an air compression chamber, a cup releasably secured in the lower end of the cylindrical member, the cup and the 8: lower: compartment defining, a, liquid, containing chambeiysaid liquid containing chamber, adaptech to be partly filled with liquid, a, recess, in, the,

outer surface of the cylindrical member defining;

an atomizing compartment, an air dischargepqrt: disposed in the wall of the recess, saiclport her. ing connected to the air'compressionchamber and adaptedtodischarge a stream of air in, a, selected path, a liquid eduction, tube. extending; into the recess and having a discharge: orificedisposed in the path of the stream of, discharged, air, the tube extending; diagonally intotheliqnid. containing chamber entering at one end, of the, chamber adjacent to the wall atone side thereot and extending through the vertical; axis of, the; liquid chamber to a point, adjacent, the opposite, side of said chamber and having an intake ori fice at its lower end, and an air ventidisposed in.v the wall of the atomizing recess and connecting; said recess with said, liquid containing, chamber; said air discharge port, said, discharge orifice, and said air vent allbeing disposed in the; same, vertical plane.

POREBER-- REFERENCES, CITED.

fhe following references, are of IQGO diZ in; the; file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

